The Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) welcomes the launch of the new Domestic and Sexual Violence Strategy

15 March 2016

The Men’s Advisory Project
Press Release

15 March 2016

The Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) welcomes the launch of the new Domestic and Sexual Violence Strategy

It was announced today that Health Minister Simon Hamilton and Justice Minister David Ford have launched the new ‘Stopping Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse in Northern Ireland’ Strategy.

The Men’s Advisory Project welcomes the launch of the new strategy.

James Knox, Project Co-ordinator of the Men’s Advisory Project said “Ending domestic and sexual violence for males and females should be a goal for us all and I firmly believe that with the launch and full implementation of this new strategy will help us to achieve this. The Men’s Advisory Project commits itself to continue to work with partner agencies and engage with government and others on the needs of male victims of domestic abuse”.

In 2010 MAP launched the first major piece of research into the needs of male victims of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland called “Towards Gender Equality” which contained a number of recommendations in relation to: Awareness Raising; Agency Training; Practical Support and Advocacy; Floating Support; Regional Support; the PSNI; the Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline; Education and in relation to diversity in particular older victims; disabled victims; ethnic minorities and same-sex abuse.

James continued: **“There is a dearth of services available to male victims of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland. In MAP we are working towards changing that and the full implementation of the new Strategy and the recommendations from our own research will go a long way to improving the lives of male victims of domestic violence and abuse across Northern Ireland.

Men can find it difficult to come forward to talk about their experiences of being victims of domestic abuse but it is important that they know that help is available”.**